Epcot was the original concept for the Florida Project. Walt had been tinkering with the idea for years and his concept for this new style of city for years. Eventually refining the idea and gaining the approvals from the State of Florida to begin this new project. Sadly, after he passed on, in 1966, Roy and the other members of the board decided to scale back their ambitious plan and base Walt Disney World on the concept used so successfully at Disneyland, in Anaheim, California.

What’s in a name?

Epcot was originally an acronym for the Experiemental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and was actually the basis for the park to be built here in Florida. Walt had some of the best urban planners working for him and he was convinced he could build a community of tomorrow that would be a model for cities around the world. The Governor of Florida was convinced as were the legistlatures and empowered the Disney Co. with rights heretofore unsees bestowed on a corporate entity.

The name had strong significance due to the acronym, but was later changed to Epcot ’94. The company thought that changing the name on an annual basis might showcase all that is new in the park. After a couple of years, however, that thought changed and the name became officially Epcot (note the lowercase).

Opening Day

Epcot opened October 1, 1982 and despite not being the community of tomorrow, it became one of the most popular destinations with the tourisrts and subsequently Disney’s business partners who wished to showcase their forward thinking technologies to the guests at the Walt Disney World Resort. Like the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT Center was the largest construction project ever undertaken at the time of construction. When finished the park was about twice the size of the Magic Kingdom and was dedicated by Card Walker who was then, the CEO and Chairman of Walt Disney Production.

To all who come to this place of Joy, Hope and Friendship—Welcome. EPCOT is inspired by Walt Disney’s creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated through imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. May EPCOT Center entertain, inform and inspire and above all, may it instill a new sense of belief and pride in man’s ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere in the world. E. Cardon Walker

Future World

If the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is a window to the future, than Future World is the door. Future World, at Epcot, was designed from Walt’s very own idea that EPCOT Center would be a place to tackle real-world issues to create a more Utopian society. There are 8 major attractions to Future World and they offer a diverse look at everything from hydroponics to creativity.

Leave A Legacy

Leave A Legacy was added to Epcot as part of the Millennium Celebration as a way for guests to become part of the ideals and dreams of Epcot in the 21st Century.

Spaceship Earth

Spaceship Earth is not only Epcot’s central icon, it is an attraction that traces the history of human communication through the millennia.

Universe of Energy

The Universe of Energy traces the impact that energy production and consumption has had on the development of the modern society.

Mission Space

Mission Space revolves around the activities at the International Space Training Center (ISTC) and their work on deep space travel. You can even take part in a mission while visiting Epcot.

Test Track

Test Track uses technology that rivals any other attraction ever produced and sends you on a heart-racing, pulse-pounding screamer of a ride.

Innoventions

Innoventions is the Epcot equivalent of a technology trade show. Here new technologies are exhibited that will affect our lives and work today. Using tomorrow’s technology, today.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends takes one of the best attractions at Epcot and makes it better by adding some of the most beloved characters from Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

The Land

The Land shows us new and exciting ways to build towards a sustainable world. Larger than all of Tomorrowland, The Land incorporates several key areas to showcase these groundbreaking advances.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Journey into Imagination with Figment adds a new take on the original story and its very own purple dragon. Join Dr. Nigel Channing on a journey you won’t forget.

World Showcase

Just as Future World does, World Showcase takes it major inspirations from the World‚Äôs Fairs of days-gone-by. A place where locals, from all over the world, interact and learn that we all of more in common than no. The actual castmembers at these attractions are residents of the host countries and provide an authentic flavor to the experience.

Mexico

The festive culture of Mexico is showcased in and around the pavilion. From the food and music to a boat tour through some of Mexico‚Äôs prime destinations, with some surprises along the way.

Norway

The Kingdom of Norway (United and loyal until the mountains of Dovre crumble) was the first European nation to declare its independence in the twentieth century. Everything for Norway.

China

More than six millennia and one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. China was the source for some of the greatest inventions of all time: paper and printing, gunpowder and the compass all were invented in China. Explore China’s ancient history

Germany

Germany is comprised of sixteen states, with its capital residing in Berlin. Throughout each the centuries, German immigrants have been instrumental in the development of the United States over each century since independence. Discover German Originality

Italy

From a time to when all roads lead to Rome to present day, Italy has had an impact on the worlds of: science, food, fashion, art, culture and more. Learn the “The Song of the Italians”

America

The host of Epcot, the American Adventure takes the guest on a historical voyage to the very founding of this great nation that has become a beacon of liberty for all. From many, one.

Japan

Over 3,000 islands comprise the nation of Japan with the 4 largest being: Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku. Japan literally means sun-origin. Visit the land of the rising sun

Morocco

The Western Kingdom or the Farthest West has been inhabited since at least 8,000 b.c.e. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the newly created United States in 1777 and makes them their oldest ally. Visit the Land of God (Marrakech)

France

Epcot’s Eiffel Tower is constructed from the very same blueprints used to create the original, only at one-tenth the size. Visit the belle epoque and learn what BVH had in mind. Find the beautiful age

United Kingdom

From the era of Shakespeare to present-day, the United Kingdom has been home to some of the most illustrious storytellers the world has ever known. Come learn more about the UK

Canada

The United States neighbor to the North, Canada means village or settlement and has been used since the 16th century; originally kanata and ultimately the present-day spelling. Visit Canada, From Sea to Sea